Why Florida

Holidays to Florida can be action-packed or more relaxing affairs – it is totally up to you. You can spend hours buzzing on adrenaline from the white-knuckle rides in some of the greatest theme parks in the world, relax by basking in the sun on the golden sanded beaches of the Gulf Coast, or take in the latin vibe, iconic art deco architecture and a wealth of entertainment on a city break in Miami. Modern Florida is known for its large Hispanic community and high population growth. The state’s economy is built predominantly on tourism, agriculture, and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also known for production of oranges, and the Kennedy Space Centre. Florida culture reflects its diverse history; Native American, European, Hispanic and African American heritages can be found in both the architecture and cuisine.

The rides and other attractions offered by Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will make for a thrilling and unforgettable experience. However as well as the lure of these obvious attractions and you will find Florida thrives with culture boasting stunning architecture, museums and art galleries and beautiful nature. And a warm climate year-round means getting out and experiencing that nature is always possible – from snorkelling in the clear blue waters of the Florida Keys, perfecting your golf swing championship golf courses or exploring Florida’s great outdoors in the national parks. Back in the towns and cities there is shopping in the many air-conditioned, great entertainment complexes and fully-equipped hotels to spend some time in during your Florida holidays.

When to go

Climate

Florida’s climate is kept in check by the fact nowhere in the state is far from the ocean. In the north of the state the climate is humid subtropical, while areas further south have a true tropical climate. In late July the temperature regularly reaches an average of 32 to 34 degrees Celsius (the low 90s Fahrenheit). In winter, for example in mid January temperatures are typically 4 to 7 degrees Celsius (the low 40s Fahrenheit) in the state’s north and can still be 16 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit) plus in Miami and further south making it the warmest state in the US.

Where to go/stay

Orlando

If you are looking for fun-filled Florida holidays then Orlando – the theme park capital of the world – has to be high on your list. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando Resort combine to make Orlando a thrill-seekers paradise. However Orlando offers much more besides thrilling rides, world-class shopping can be enjoyed at Mall at Millenia, the city offers an eclectic restaurant scene, while championship golf courses offer you the chance to play a round or two. Enjoy some pampering in a luxury spa hotel, or head Orlando’s Lakes to get back to nature.

The Gulf Coast and Tampa

If relaxation is what you are looking for Florida holidays 2017, vacations on the Gulf Coast and Tampa are hard to beat. The beaches are outstanding and the Pinellas Suncoast which runs from St Petersburg and Clearwater comprises of 45 kilometres (28 miles) of stunning barrier island beaches. If you haven’t had your fill of thrills in Orlando, a theme park can also be found in Tampa – Busch Gardens features the best rides and roller coasters in Florida. Fort Myers is a haven for relaxation because of its beautiful beaches and great natural surroundings. In Bradenton and Sarasota you find a thriving arts and culture scene, for island escapes look no further than Captiva and Sanibel and Naples is a thriving city with numerous shopping centres and restaurants that are world class.

Miami and Gold Coast

Striking Art deco buildings and palm trees line the promenades of Miami Beach. South Beach is where all the hippest and coolest people hang out due to its fantastic nightlife. After sunup the 24 kilometres (15 miles) of white-sanded beaches of the Gold Coast prove irresistible to those who worship the sun. Miami’s warm climate due to the Gulf Stream and the warm temperatures make it an attractive destination year round for perfect holidays to Florida. A distinctly multicultural city, with its Latin flavour being the strongest, makes Miami truly unique. Miami’s Miracle Mile is a Mecca for fashionistas and its dining and bar scene offers the type of fusion cuisine you would expect to find in such a cosmopolitan city. The Everglades National Park waits to be explored outside the city limits. Elsewhere on the Gold Coast there are the numerous golf and spa resorts of Boca Raton and canal system of Fort Lauderdale.

Florida Keys

There is possibly no better than a beach break and the Florida Keys is the perfect location for such a holiday. Located 260 kilometres (160 miles) south from Miami, these are truly beautiful islands where the influence of the Caribbean can be felt. Each island differs from the others and each offers its own unique experiences – at Key West you can swim with dolphins or around Islamorada the coral reefs are great for snorkelling.

Things to do

Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex (https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com) is based in Cape Canaveral and features spacecraft displays, two IMAX movies about space exploration, an Astronaut's Hall of Fame, and much more.

St Augustine was founded by Spaniards in 1565 making it the oldest continually settled city in the US.

Gatorland (www.gatorland.com) in Orlando features thousands of Florida's unique animal – the alligator – as well as its cousin the crocodile.

Salvador Dali Museum (thedali.org) is based in the centre of St Petersburg and houses the largest collection of Dali works outside of Europe, so be sure to visit it on your holidays to Florida.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, part of Interstate 275 at Tampa Bay, is the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge and a masterpiece of engineering.

St Petersburg’s Florida Holocaust Museum (www.flholocaustmuseum.org) is located in the centre of the city. It is one of the largest of its kind in the US and exhibits a railway car used by Nazis to transport prisoners to concentration camps.

Daytona International Speedway is home to the number one event in stock car racing - the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Daytona 500 (in February) and many other motorsport and other events throughout the year.

Ybor City is a district in downtown Tampa and is a hub for partying with is numerous bars, restaurants, clubs, and cigar stores all set a historic neighbourhood strongly influenced by Latin and Italian culture.

Florida Railroad Museum (www.frrm.org/) is located in Parrish 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Sarasota and 56 kilometres (35 miles) south of Tampa off Interstate 75 at exit 229. Here you can ride in trains dating back to the 1920's, pulled by 1950's diesel engines.

Walt Disney World (disneyworld.disney.go.com) in Lake Buena Vista, near Orlando, is the centrepiece of Disney's global theme park empire and is easily the most popular theme park resort in the world. So don't miss a chance to visit it during your holidays in Florida.

Sea World (seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando) is both a theme park, and marine-life based zoological park, in Orlando. When combined with the neighbouring Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it forms Seaworld Parks and Resorts Orlando, an entertainment complex consisting of the three parks and many hotels.

Wet and Wild (www.wetnwildorlando.com) is acknowledged as America’s first water park located at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando.

Universal Studios (www.universalorlando.com) and Islands of Adventure let you get behind the scenes of your favourite movies and television shows at Universal Studios the premier movie and TV based theme park in the world.

Discovery Cove (www.discoverycove.com) is a theme park owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment.

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